Lots of questions....

[powerfetish]

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Do you prefer reading textbooks in hardcover or on a tablet?

What do you wish you had done during your freshman year to prepare for medical school admission?

What should be one's goal as a first-time researcher?

Is it better to shadow a neurosurgeon over a family practice physician?

How many hours of shadowing is sufficient on average?

Is it possible to score 40+ on the MCAT for a hard working person with an average IQ?

Can you shadow your parents?

Why is it not ideal to take the MCAT during your junior year winter break if you have taken all the prereq and studied over sophomore summer?

If I take the MCAT in 2015 as a junior will I take the new MCAT because I heard some say it is only for 2016 fall students?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my inquiries!

 

[Ansar]

Hardcover over tablet any day

 

[sinombre]

I'm bored so I'll bite.

Do you prefer reading textbooks in hardcover or on a tablet?

Either.

What do you wish you had done during your freshman year to prepare for medical school admission?

I have no regrets. I had a solid game plan and stuck with it. The plan morphed over the years, but I think having a plan/set of goals is extremely important.

What should be one's goal as a first-time researcher?

Learn as much as possible. Get on good terms with everyone in the lab and demonstrate your intellectual curiosity/maturity/capacity. This will lead to opportunities down the road.

Is it better to shadow a neurosurgeon over a family practice physician?

No.

How many hours of shadowing is sufficient on average?

I never technically "shadowed" any physician. I had a lot of clinical internships/positions which essentially fulfilled this requirement. I'm sure you can get a good ballpark estimate by searching.

Is it possible to score 40+ on the MCAT for a hard working person with an average IQ?

Anything's possible. Obviously highly improbable though. An average IQ probably won't get you very far on a highly competitive standardized test.

Can you shadow your parents?

Only if they're neurosurgeons. Or yes. One of those is the right answer.

Why is it not ideal to take the MCAT during your junior year winter break if you have taken all the prereq and studied over sophomore summer?

There doesn't seem to be anything inherently "not ideal" about that.

If I take the MCAT in 2015 as a junior will I take the new MCAT because I heard some say it is only for 2016 fall students?

The MCAT changes in 2015.

https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/mcat2015/

 

[DAPI]

Do you prefer reading textbooks in hardcover or on a tablet?

What do you wish you had done during your freshman year to prepare for medical school admission?

What should be one's goal as a first-time researcher?

Is it better to shadow a neurosurgeon over a family practice physician?

How many hours of shadowing is sufficient on average?

Is it possible to score 40+ on the MCAT for a hard working person with an average IQ?

Can you shadow your parents?

Why is it not ideal to take the MCAT during your junior year winter break if you have taken all the prereq and studied over sophomore summer?

If I take the MCAT in 2015 as a junior will I take the new MCAT because I heard some say it is only for 2016 fall students?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my inquiries!

Hard Cover

Found a really good volunteer position

To not only wash the dishes

Do both

Not sure... 40?

Just do your best, like less than 1% of test takers get a 40+

You can do whatever you want, but I wouldn't talk about it in my AMCAS

Take it whenever you are ready for it

Everyone will take the new MCAT in 2015 and those students are wrong

 

[OwlPower22]

Do you prefer reading textbooks in hardcover or on a tablet?
-- I wouldn't be reading a giant textbook on the subway, or lugging around a dozen 5lbs books in medical school. So I say, tablet.

What do you wish you had done during your freshman year to prepare for medical school admission?
-- Not worry so much about looking for the "right" clubs to join and things to do to make my medical school application look "perfect". Just work hard, get good grades and recs, make some friends, and do the activities you enjoy.

What should be one's goal as a first-time researcher?
-- Stay curious and keep learning. I'm assuming "first-time researchers" meaning techs and lab assistants, who usually do not play a huge role in planning and carrying out experiments (unless you're the proactive-type with a lax post-doc). Observe your superiors, take notes, and replicate (or do better).

Is it better to shadow a neurosurgeon over a family practice physician?
-- Depends on what you like. Shadowing a neurosurgeon does not make you look smarter than shadowing a family practice physician. In my opinion, surgeries can be long and boring, as you will be standing there watching aka doing nothing. You would have much, much more hands-on experience shadowing a family practice physician.

How many hours of shadowing is sufficient on average?
-- Don't just shadow - volunteer! Don't be a wallflower and make yourself useful. That being said, the more the better.

Is it possible to score 40+ on the MCAT for a hard working person with an average IQ?
-- I suppose...

Can you shadow your parents?
-- Sure, but you shouldn't be getting a recommendation from them, obviously.

Why is it not ideal to take the MCAT during your junior year winter break if you have taken all the prereq and studied over sophomore summer?
-- What's ideal is determined by you. Don't rush through MCAT studying.

If I take the MCAT in 2015 as a junior will I take the new MCAT because I heard some say it is only for 2016 fall students?
-- Not sure about the new MCAT.

 

[FSU2013]

Do you prefer reading textbooks in hardcover or on a tablet?

Hardcover, always.

What do you wish you had done during your freshman year to prepare for medical school admission?

Nothing, enjoy life as a freshman. Maybe get a hobby.

What should be one's goal as a first-time researcher?

Nothing. Your goal in research is to publish anything. This can take a lot of time. Your goal in your first research project is to figure out if it's something you enjoy and to simply get your toes wet. You're not going to win a nobel prize or publish in the NEJM. Most first time lab people get stuck doing dishes or other mundane lab stuff to see if you're responsible enough to have more important tasks.

Is it better to shadow a neurosurgeon over a family practice physician?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. I'm sorry. No, the last thing in the world you would ever want to do is shadow a neurosurgeon. They work a million hours a week and have long cases. That's throwing you into the fire. The point of shadowing is to figure out whether or not medicine is something you could do. A FP would be OK for this. I worked in the ED in undergrad and enjoyed it. In fact, now I'm going into EM.

How many hours of shadowing is sufficient on average?

The number of hours isnt super important. I don't think an adcom is going to say, well this guy shadowed a doc for 6 hours a week for a year and this other guy only did 2 a week, let's take the guy with more experience. An hour or two a week for a couple semesters would be plenty. Try to find something that pays - that makes the time pass much quicker.

Is it possible to score 40+ on the MCAT for a hard working person with an average IQ?

Average IQ, i.e. 100? Absolutely not. But you don't need a 40+ on the MCAT. You need a 30+ -- probably lower if you're OK going DO. If you're slightly above average and work hard, you should be able to swing that. Even the most elite med schools dont have many kids with 40+ MCATs. That's stupid high, even by SDN standard.

Can you shadow your parents?

Can you? Yes. Should you? No. You don't want to be "that guy" and you can't get a rec letter from your mom or dad. If your folks are docs, have them ask a buddy. It shouldn't be a problem. One of their friends could write you a good rec letter.

Why is it not ideal to take the MCAT during your junior year winter break if you have taken all the prereq and studied over sophomore summer?

No idea. Seems like a find idea to me.

If I take the MCAT in 2015 as a junior will I take the new MCAT because I heard some say it is only for 2016 fall students?

No clue. Glad I'm past all that.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my inquiries!

No problem, feel free to PM if I can be of any help to you.

 

[mcloaf]

I thought you didn't have time to be on this forum anymore...?

 

[hobbity]

Do you prefer reading textbooks in hardcover or on a tablet?

Either. The benefit of a tablet is the search function, but books just feel more natural for me.

What do you wish you had done during your freshman year to prepare for medical school admission?

I wish I had taken the initiative to find a good volunteer opportunity in my second semester - not because I think that four years of volunteer work is necessary, but because I feel there were more opportunities/outreach events targeted towards freshmen.

What should be one's goal as a first-time researcher?

Finding a lab that's actually willing to teach and work with you (this may mean finding a small lab rather than a larger, more famous lab). Protocols and techniques are quite universal, but a PI, grad student, and/or post-doc who's willing to teach you why things are done the way they are and the thought process behind experiments and research is a very valuable experience to have.

Is it better to shadow a neurosurgeon over a family practice physician?

I would think shadowing a neurosurgeon would be LESS preferable to shadowing a primary care physician simply because it's too specialized. Ideally, you should shadow a couple of different specialties.

How many hours of shadowing is sufficient on average?

There's no set number - just enough to get a good idea of what being a doctor is about.

Is it possible to score 40+ on the MCAT for a hard working person with an average IQ?

It's possible but very improbable. Aiming for 40+ sounds like gunner mentality to me. My advice is to just chill, and aim to do as well as you can on the MCAT when you get there and hopefully score a 32+

Can you shadow your parents?

Yes, but you shouldn't. It's better if your parent(s) help you find a different doctor to shadow.

Why is it not ideal to take the MCAT during your junior year winter break if you have taken all the prereq and studied over sophomore summer?

In this case, you should study sophomore summer + junior fall so you don't forget stuff. But you can take the MCAT whenever you want.

If I take the MCAT in 2015 as a junior will I take the new MCAT because I heard some say it is only for 2016 fall students?

Not sure. But I can't imagine AMCAS making the distinction since they would have to prepare different tests.


Another piece of advice based on your previous thread about the state of healthcare - take a public health class (or more than one, preferably one offered through a humanities department like anthropology) and some other humanities. Or, if your school offers it, any class regarding medical economics or history. Hopefully the experience will broaden your views about what medicine is.

 

[powerfetish]

Thank you for all of these motivating and helpful guidance. Glad to know there are genuine people here!

 

[MusicJunkie]

Do you prefer reading textbooks in hardcover or on a tablet?
Hardcover. I own a tablet, but I use it for my personal enjoyment.

What do you wish you had done during your freshman year to prepare for medical school admission?
Hmm. Well, I actually got better grades my freshman year than I did in high school, so that was fine. I wish I would have participated in more extracurriculars. I really enjoyed being involved on club executive boards, volunteering, and working in a hospital. I just wish I would have started earlier.

What should be one's goal as a first-time researcher?
I didn't do research. Research isn't my thing. Luckily, it hasn't been an impediment to my application, so I'm happy. What I will say is to find research that you enjoy (and that includes finding the right preceptor). I know many students that are absolutely miserable doing their research and only do it as a "checklist" kind of thing. While that is fine, if it's a topic you're interested in, or maybe you've at least researched, that passion may come through well in an interview. And you may have more fun doing it.

Is it better to shadow a neurosurgeon over a family practice physician?
Family medicine. I believe it is LizzyM who says that they like to see some sort of primary care on an application. Aside from that though, family practice is awesome (personal opinion, of course 😛).

How many hours of shadowing is sufficient on average?
I'd say around 50 total is fine. I think what is more important is clinical experience. What I will say is that you should see enough to possibly discuss it and what you gathered from it.

Is it possible to score 40+ on the MCAT for a hard working person with an average IQ?
It's possible, but don't bank on it. And really, getting a 40 on the MCAT isn't the "be all, end all."

Can you shadow your parents?
Yes. But do not get one of your Letters of Recommendation from them.

Why is it not ideal to take the MCAT during your junior year winter break if you have taken all the prereq and studied over sophomore summer?
Seems fine to me.

If I take the MCAT in 2015 as a junior will I take the new MCAT because I heard some say it is only for 2016 fall students?
No clue. I took the MCAT and never looked back.

 

[FSU2013]

I thought you didn't have time to be on this forum anymore...?

If you're referring to me...I have the time, I've just noticed pre-meds seem to think they know it all and are often not appreciative of advice. I find these boards frustrating some times. People come here looking for affirmation of what they have already decided is true.

 

[powerfetish]

If you're referring to me...I have the time, I've just noticed pre-meds seem to think they know it all and are often not appreciative of advice. I find these boards frustrating some times. People come here looking for affirmation of what they have already decided is true.

He was referring to me. I come to this site during my study breaks because it is the best motivator to keep me going!

 

[deleted393595]

He was referring to me. I come to this site during my study breaks because it is the best motivator to keep me going!

Your username 😵

 

[Anathema]

On my phone and too lazy to answer everything, but to the pre Med who advised against shadowing your parent...you're wrong. This is why we can't have nice things.

 

[ilikevegetables]

I agree on the giggles at your username. Ah well, rock it, I guess 😀

I think the only bit about taking the MCAT over winter break is that the MCAT is only offered January-September. Not sure how far your break extends into January, but a lot of people pretty much get back to school at the beginning of the year.

 

[red doctober]

Just as an aside, won't the MCAT be out of 60 by the time you take it?

I suppose a 40/45 will be "equivalent" to something like 52-54/60.

 

[Charles Darwin]

Do you prefer reading textbooks in hardcover or on a tablet?

Textbooks. I can't stare at a screen for long periods of time or I'll get a headache.

What do you wish you had done during your freshman year to prepare for medical school admission?

Maybe I would have done some shadowing/non-clinical stuff. The earlier you get involved in box checking, the better your application will be when it's time to apply.

What should be one's goal as a first-time researcher?

Your goal should be mastering the techniques and acquiring the knowledge-base necessary to succeed in your lab.

Is it better to shadow a neurosurgeon over a family practice physician?

No.

How many hours of shadowing is sufficient on average?

Somewhere between 20 and 50 hours should suffice. I'd recommend shadowing a variety of specialties if possible.

Is it possible to score 40+ on the MCAT for a hard working person with an average IQ?

Yes. It's possible to get a perfect score on anything that's multiple choice.

Can you shadow your parents?

If the sun is at the proper angle and you're taller than them, I don't see why not.

Why is it not ideal to take the MCAT during your junior year winter break if you have taken all the prereq and studied over sophomore summer?

Most people try to avoid studying for the MCAT while taking classes. If you take the MCAT over winter break, you'll have to study for it over fall semester. It may also ruin your Chirstmas/New Years.

If I take the MCAT in 2015 as a junior will I take the new MCAT because I heard some say it is only for 2016 fall students?

The new MCAT will be administered in 2015.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my inquiries!

You're welcome.

 

[diamondgal1337]

Do you prefer reading textbooks in hardcover or on a tablet?
Hardcover.
What do you wish you had done during your freshman year to prepare for medical school admission?
No regrets/changing anything in the past.
What should be one's goal as a first-time researcher?
Don't be annoying and try to learn as much as possible.
Is it better to shadow a neurosurgeon over a family practice physician?
Shadow both
How many hours of shadowing is sufficient on average?
50
Is it possible to score 40+ on the MCAT for a hard working person with an average IQ?
Depends.
Can you shadow your parents?
Yes
Why is it not ideal to take the MCAT during your junior year winter break if you have taken all the prereq and studied over sophomore summer?
What?
If I take the MCAT in 2015 as a junior will I take the new MCAT because I heard some say it is only for 2016 fall students?
Urm..take it whenever you want.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my inquiries![/QUOTE]

 

[bigdogrob4284]

I haven't got into using e-books yet, but I bet once they are more common, it will be all people use. I think it will be more realistic for people that grow up using them though, as opposed to making a switch.

 

[mcloaf]

If you're referring to me...I have the time, I've just noticed pre-meds seem to think they know it all and are often not appreciative of advice. I find these boards frustrating some times. People come here looking for affirmation of what they have already decided is true.

Referring to OPs post in a different thread, party on. 🙂

 

[LizzyM]

Do you prefer reading textbooks in hardcover or on a tablet?

Hardcover

What do you wish you had done during your freshman year to prepare for medical school admission?

Done better than a C in Chemistry (note: I never went to med school and I never will).

What should be one's goal as a first-time researcher?

Don't look surprised when the acetone you use to clean glassware ruins your nail polish... your critical thinking skills are deficient if you didn't think that through before you went squirting that stuff everywhere. Use your critical thinking skills for even the most mundane tasks.

 

[diamondgal1337]

Don't look surprised when the acetone you use to clean glassware ruins your nail polish... your critical thinking skills are deficient if you didn't think that through before you went squirting that stuff everywhere. Use your critical thinking skills for even the most mundane tasks.

Haha!! LizzyM that is so hilarious I can't stop laughing!! It's so easy to overtighten the bottle and squirt acetone everywhere 😛 My PI accidentally almost squirts acetone on me from time to time

 

[blueshockey]

Do you prefer reading textbooks in hardcover or on a tablet?

I suppose I'm more of a hardcover guy, but that is mostly due to the fact that I don't have to use them that often and therefore am not lugging them around everywhere. During finals week, however (and medical school as well), I would be happy to have a tablet. It would be nice to have everything in one convenient place.

What do you wish you had done during your freshman year to prepare for medical school admission?

Honestly? I wish I wouldn't have spent so much time invested in school. I've realized that gpa is hardly the defining factor when applying, and I could have, instead of over-preparation, used that time to hang out with friends or be involved with more clubs/sports.

What should be one's goal as a first-time researcher?

A natural curiosity I suppose. Most people that get involved with research want to publish something (or want to check something off the list of stuff adcoms like), so being enthusiastic and being able to take on responsibilities will be important if you want your PI to be able to trust you with doing work for a paper/poster.

Is it better to shadow a neurosurgeon over a family practice physician?

Haha, no.

How many hours of shadowing is sufficient on average?

Whatever amount you deem is enough to get a general feel of what a physician does on the job, and, more importantly, OFF of it. For me, I shadowed around 80 hours and have been accepted to two places; it's different for everyone. There isn't really a "target" amount, but generally above 40 is the standard.

Is it possible to score 40+ on the MCAT for a hard working person with an average IQ?

I don't really think so. I would say memorization and hard work is enough to get at least a 30. Once you get above that, innate critical thinking skills are called into play more heavily. I do think you can train yourself to think more critically while studying/taking tests, but to make substantial improvements is quite a lot to ask in the few months you are studying.

Can you shadow your parents?

I shadowed my dad, so, yes haha

Why is it not ideal to take the MCAT during your junior year winter break if you have taken all the prereq and studied over sophomore summer?

Usually the prevailing idea is that even if you can handle a full (or reduced) course-load in addition to all the other responsibilities you have, adding a commitment of 21+ hours a week (three hours of studying a day, which for some is a conservative guess) is just too much. I took mine in June about a month after my finals and when my studying overlapped with school in late march/April, I was the most burnt out I've been in my life.

If I take the MCAT in 2015 as a junior will I take the new MCAT because I heard some say it is only for 2016 fall students?

Not sure, I would imagine that when they say "the MCAT is changing in 2015", it will in fact be starting in January 2015, but I don't really know that for sure.